In a thick forest, there was a big tree, and on this tree lived many leaves. Among them was a tiny leaf with a big dream. This little leaf was always looking into the distance, full of curiosity about the outside world in its heart. It didn't want to stay on this tree all its life. It desired to see rivers, mountains and those never - seen - before sceneries.
One day, a little bird stopped on the branch. The little leaf summoned up its courage and said to the little bird, "Little bird, little bird, you've been to a lot of places, right? Can you tell me about the outside world?" The little bird chirped, "The outside world is so vast. There are high mountains, clear rivers and bustling villages." Hearing this, the little leaf's eyes sparkled with longing. It became more determined in its wish. It wanted to leave the big tree to explore the outside world. But the other leaves all laughed at it, saying it was too naive. How could a leaf leave the tree to travel? However, the little leaf was not defeated by these taunts. It was waiting for a strong wind to come.
Finally, a strong wind howled. The little leaf held tightly to the branch. When the wind was at its fiercest, it let go of its grip and was blown into the air. The little leaf floated in the air. It saw the grassland under the big tree, which was like a green carpet. It also saw a clear brook, and the water in the brook sparkled in the sunlight. The little leaf was extremely happy. It was the first time it had seen such a beautiful scene. But the wind gradually weakened, and the little leaf began to descend slowly.
The little leaf landed on a blooming flower. The flower said to the little leaf, "How come you are here?" The little leaf told the flower about its wish. The flower said with a smile, "You are so brave." The little leaf rested on the flower for a while. Then another gust of wind blew, and the little leaf took off again. It continued its journey. It saw the mountains in the distance, which were range upon range of mountains with clouds and mists curling around them.
The little leaf floated in the direction of the village. It saw the houses in the village, which were scattered in an orderly manner. The people in the village were working in the fields, and the children were laughing and playing. The little leaf floated into a small yard and landed on a little girl's book. The little girl noticed the little leaf and said in surprise, "This leaf is so beautiful." The little girl sandwiched the little leaf in the book. Although the little leaf could no longer continue its journey, it felt very content. Because it had fulfilled its wish, seen the outside world, and could also become a part of the little girl's book, bringing a surprise to the little girl.
